Charles slipped out of bed in the early morning. After donning his clothes, he crept to the nursery. Katherine was awake and being tended to by Emily's nurse.

The nurse curtseyed. "Good morning, my lord."

Kat ran toward him, and he caught her up in his arms. "Unca Charles!"

"I'll be your papa soon. Would you like that?"

She studied him, then laid one tiny hand on his jaw and nodded. "Papa Charles?"

"That's right." He pressed a kiss to her forehead ...